Russia, China and Mongolia begin practical implementation of the Great Tea Road tourist route
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Photo source: frantic00 / iStock
In the first half of 2026, the number of foreign tourists visiting Russia increased by 20 per cent to 2.5 million. More than 22 per cent of foreign visitors were Chinese citizens. This was announced by Nikita Kondratiev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at the Russian Ministry of Economic Development. His comments were published on the ministry's website.
The figures were presented at a meeting of the Tourism Council of the Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI) and a seminar on inbound tourism in North-East Asia, held in the Chinese city of Shenyang.
During the events, the Russian delegation noted that modern digital and marketing solutions are being used to promote the country's tourism potential. For example, in 2026, a service was launched that allows users to pay for transport, accommodation, purchases and entertainment using mobile phones and QR codes.
The project to revive the historic transcontinental Great Tea Road attracted particular interest from the participants. This joint initiative of Russia, China and Mongolia has entered the practical implementation stage and is regarded as one of the flagship areas of tourism cooperation between the three countries.
“The Russian section of the route will cover around 20 regions – from the Far East and Siberia through the Urals and the Volga region to Moscow and St. Petersburg. [...] It is based on a rich historical and cultural heritage, natural attractions and gastronomic traditions. At the same time, the development of the route relies on expanding transport connectivity between Russia and China,” Kondratiev concluded.
At the seminar on inbound tourism in North-East Asia, the Russian delegation also presented other examples of cross-border cooperation: projects involving Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, the development of Vladivostok as a gateway for foreign tourists to Russia's Far East, the use of the Trans-Siberian Railway's tourism potential, the natural and cultural attractions of the Lake Baikal area, and the development of scientific tourism, with the Vostochny Cosmodrome serving as an example.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended visa-free entry for Chinese citizens until the end of 2027, according to the Kremlin website. In May 2026, it was announced that China had, in turn, extended its visa-free regime for Russian citizens until the same date.
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